evolution

ev-o-lu-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Biology) The process by which different kinds of living organisms developed from earlier forms through natural selection over millions of years.

  2. 2.

    The gradual development or change of something over time.

  3. 3.

    A movement that is part of a series or pattern.

Forms

plural: evolutions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    theory of evolution — the scientific explanation of how species change over time
  • •
    evolution of ideas — the gradual development and change of concepts
  • •
    natural evolution — change occurring through natural processes

Related words

Antonyms: devolution, stagnation
See also: adaptation, development, evolutionary, evolve
Synonyms: change, development, growth, progression, transformation

Etymology

From Latin "evolutio" meaning "unrolling" (of a scroll), from "evolvere" (to unroll, unfold), from "e-" (out) + "volvere" (to roll). First used in the biological sense in the 19th century.